APC interviews: Minister for Industry Chris McDonald MP

The UK’s new DRIVE35 programme is a major, long-term commitment to strengthening the nation’s automotive sector and supporting the transition to electric and smart mobility.

Backed by billions in government investment, DRIVE35 gives industry the confidence and certainty needed to scale innovation, grow advanced manufacturing, and build a competitive EV supply chain—from critical minerals to batteries and vehicle production.‑term commitment to strengthening the nation’s automotive sector and supporting the transition to electric and smart mobility. 

With a rare 10‑year horizon, the programme aligns government support with real automotive investment cycles. Its ambitions include boosting annual vehicle production to 1.3 million units, expanding domestic critical minerals capacity, and manufacturing supply chain.

DRIVE35 is ultimately about securing high-value jobs, economic growth, and long-term competitiveness across the whole country.‑value jobs, economic growth, and long‑term competitiveness across the whole country.

As part of the greater mobility sector, connectivity and autonomy – enabled by AI, digital technology, and data transfer – can improve capability, service quality, and safety.

The UK has real strengths in research and innovation here, but we need to scale and deploy those innovations domestically. It’s not just about vehicles; it’s about how they interact with their environment.

The government has committed £150 million through CAM Pathfinder to support the sector and work with industry to ensure the UK is a global leader in deploying this technology.

Talk to the APC and Zenzic team to explore how to get involved in our funding opportunities.

Funding of DRIVE35 and CAM Pathfinder is delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, APC/Zenzic and Innovate UK. Subject to HMG approval.